Camden Snow Bowl Revises Pet Policy

Camden — The Camden Parks and Recreation Department announced Jan. 13 that it was changing the rules for pets at the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, home of the Camden Snow Bowl. Effective immediately, the following rules are in effect from Dec. 1 through March 31:

All pets must be on leash at all times when visiting the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area.

Pets are only allowed: a) on trails designated for snowshoeing, b) in the toboggan chute area, c) on the fields around the base area, d) on Hosmer Pond, and e) in the parking lots.

Pets are not allowed on any skiing terrain in the RMRA. Skiing terrain includes all alpine ski trails, ski lift lines and the 22 Tacks Nordic ski trail. This rule is in effect regardless of whether there is snow on the ground or whether the Snow Bowl is open to the public. There is one exception to this rule: Pets on leash will be allowed with their owners while hiking or snowshoeing behind the Big T-Bar base terminal and up the north (right) side of the Spinnaker trail on their way to and from the Hosmer Brook Trail on adjacent Coastal Mountains Land Trust property.

During other times of the year — April through November — pet owners are welcome to enjoy all of the trails and outdoor space at the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area with their pets as long as they comply with the town of Camden's Dog Ordinance. That ordinance requires that pet owners be in control of their pets at all times, either with a leash no longer than eight feet, or obediently at heel beside the owner and under voice command. It also stipulates that pet owners must pick up their pet’s waste at all times when not on their own private property. The Dog Ordinance can be viewed in the ordinance section of the town website at camdenmaine.gov.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust requires dogs to be on leash at all times on its preserves and trails.

In a press release, the Parks and Recreation Department thanked all of the individuals that provided feedback and helped craft the compromise to address winter operations and safety concerns.

"We encourage our regular RMRA visitors with pets to help orient new pet visitors to enjoy the recreation area responsibly," the press release said.

Camden has begun an investigation into creating a dedicated dog park in the Camden/Rockport area where pets would be allowed to play off leash in an enclosed area. Interested individuals may contact the Camden Parks and Recreation Department at 236-3438 or by email at info@camdensnowbowl.com to get involved in that process.